31.   The current law expires at the end of the month.

32.   The Democrats contend, and many Republicans privately agree, that if the law expires, Pataki will be blamed for any problems that tenants suffer.

33.   The current law expires at the end of May and will be replaced by an old set of restrictions that will be even less likely to be enforced.

34.   The Democrats are even suggesting that they would be willing to let rent laws expire rather than accept a compromise not to their liking.

35.   The impasse makes it increasingly likely that Pataki and Bruno would allow the loft law to expire on Wednesday night.

36.   The issue probably will not be taken up by the New York Legislature until the current state law expires next June.

37.   The law expired in June, leaving loft dwellers vulnerable to eviction proceedings from landlords who have long lobbied for a repeal.

38.   The law expired last July.

39.   The law expires at the end of this month.

40.   The law expires on that date unless Congress specifically reauthorizes it.